Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Frost's "Place for a Third" is a contemplative and nuanced poem that delves into themes of marriage, death, and personal preference in burial. The poem presents a story of Eliza, a woman who, on her deathbed, reflects on her marriages and expresses a specific wish regarding her final resting place.

The poem begins with the line, "Nothing to say to all those marriages!" suggesting a weariness or resignation towards the topic of marriage. Eliza has been married three times, and her husbands, too, have had multiple marriages, making the "score" three to three. However, as Eliza faces death, she finds herself caring deeply about her burial arrangements, particularly the company she will keep in death.

Eliza is troubled by the thought of being buried alongside her husbands' other wives. She finds the idea of three children in a burial row sad, and the thought of one man's three wives in a row makes her impatient with the man. This impatience hints at a deeper frustration with the social norms and expectations surrounding marriage and burial practices.

Eliza expresses her wishes to her current husband, Laban, saying, "Don't make me lie with those two other women." Laban, showing sensitivity and respect for her wishes, assures her that he will not make her lie with anyone but whom she chooses. This promise marks Laban's commitment to fulfilling Eliza's final wish.

Laban's initial thought is to buy a separate grave plot for Eliza, even considering selling a yoke of steers to pay for it. He contemplates the idea of special cemetery flowers that could symbolize ongoing grief and care. However, he soon realizes that a more meaningful gesture might be to find the grave of Eliza's first husband, whom she married as a playmate more than a helpmate. He wonders if she would like to be buried with him instead.

Laban locates the grave of Eliza's first husband, John, who is buried next to a spot reserved for his never-married sister. To ensure that Eliza would be welcome there, Laban seeks the sister's permission. The sister, faced with a significant decision, reflects on the request and the circumstances surrounding it.

In a poignant exchange, the sister considers her responsibility and the right course of action. She recalls her friendship with Eliza and acknowledges the complexities of marriage as presented in the Bible. Despite her own struggles and uncertainties, she ultimately decides against allowing Eliza to be buried with John, stating, "Eliza's had too many other men." This decision forces Laban to revert to his original plan of buying a separate plot for Eliza.

The poem concludes with Laban contemplating his own burial arrangements, having secured a place for Eliza to lie alone. This final act of respect and care underscores the themes of individual choice and the significance of honoring personal wishes, even in death.

"Place for a Third" offers a profound meditation on the interplay between love, death, and personal agency. Frost's narrative captures the delicate emotions and societal pressures surrounding marriage and burial, highlighting the importance of personal preference and dignity in one's final resting place. The poem's nuanced exploration of these themes invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values regarding life, love, and death.

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